Static Dread: The Lighthouse PS5 Review 9/10 “Shining a light on Lovecraftian Horror” 🗼🐙 @StaticDreadGame #IndieGame #GameDev

I don’t think a game has ever come along at the right time for me more than this one. Last year I got hips deep into Arkham Horror: The Card Game, which - like Static Dread - draws from the works of one Mr H. P. Lovecraft. I got really into both his works and the lore of the world he created which meant whilst playing this title I not only got the references, but that I had a better understanding of what Static Dread: The Lighthouse was going for, that fear and dread play a larger role than outright scares. Some scares do crop up in the game, but it is the complete, unsettling dread creeping over you that is the real horror.

DWARVES Glory Death and Loot ¬ Nintendo Switch 2 Gameplay 🪓 @KakapoCalypse #IndieGame #GameDev

In this episode of the Ten Minute Taster, Rich dives into DWARVES: Glory, Death and Loot on the Nintendo Switch 2—where every swing of the axe could mean treasure or tragedy. Watch as we battle through chaotic caverns, unleash dwarven fury, and chase legendary loot in this pixel-packed roguelike adventure.

Pathologic 3 PC Gameplay (No Commentary) | Immersive Story‑Driven Horror 🥼🩺🩻 @IcePickLodge #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich steps into the bleak, surreal world of Pathologic 3 with this PC no‑commentary gameplay capture. This playthrough focuses on pure atmosphere — no voiceover, no distractions, just the raw tension, storytelling, and survival mechanics that define the series.

Rich unboxes the brand‑new SnakeByte Ergo Grip S2 🎮 #NintendoSwitch2

Rich unboxes the brand‑new SnakeByte Ergo Grip S2 — the upgraded ergonomic grip designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2 JoyCons. 

If you’ve been looking for a more comfortable handheld experience on Nintendo’s newest console, this accessory might be the game‑changer you’ve been waiting for. 

In this video, I take a close look at the build quality, fit, feel, and overall design of the Ergo Grip S2, showing exactly how it transforms the JoyCon experience for longer play sessions.

🔗 ERGO GRIP S2 🔗

Why GEDONIA 2 Might Be Your Next RPG Obsession (PC Gameplay) ⚔️ #IndieGame #GameDev

Join Rich as he dives into the world of GEDONIA 2 — a sprawling open-world RPG packed with exploration, combat, and character progression. Whether you're new to the series or a returning adventurer, this gameplay walkthrough showcases the latest updates, quests, and mechanics that make GEDONIA 2 a hidden gem in the indie RPG scene.

Gioteck FR5 Racing Wheel PS5 Setup and Test on 'My First Gran Turismo' 🏎️

Take a seat in the cockpit with Rich as he sets up, and puts the Gioteck FR5 Racing Wheel through its paces on PS5 with a full test run in My First Gran Turismo.

Whether you're curious about budget-friendly racing wheels, looking for a simple plug‑and‑play option, or just want to see how the FR5 handles on the track, this video gives you the full lowdown. 🔧 What’s Inside:

• Full PS5 setup walkthrough
• Comfort, build quality & responsiveness
• Live gameplay test in Gran Turismo
• Honest impressions on performance & value

🕹️ SnakeByte S2 Quad Charger – Nintendo Switch 2 Multi Joy-Con Charger Unboxing & First Impressions ⚡🎮

Rich unboxes and explores the SnakeByte Quad Charge S2, a sleek and efficient charging dock designed for the Nintendo Switch 2. This video gives you a hands-on look at the build quality, setup process, and how it handles charging up to four Joy-Cons simultaneously.

PRODUCT LINK:

🔗 https://snakebyte.com/products/quad-charge-s2 🔗

Gulikit – TT MAX Controller Review By Britt 🎮 @GuliKitDesign

A few short months ago, we covered the Gulikit Elves 2 Pro Controller, an awesome controller with a retro Sega Saturn vibe tied to modern requirements and sensibilities. Today, I’m taking a look at the TT MAX Controller, which Gulikit state is the world’s fastest wireless controller – quite the claim!

As with the previous Gulikit controllers that I’ve covered, the packaging and delivery were faultless, with the box containing:

• 1 x GuliKit TT Max Controller (with pre-installed TMR Joysticks and 4-way/8-way D-pad)
• 1 x Form-fit Plastic Carrying Case
• 1 x HyperLink 2 Wireless Adapter (2.4G dongle)
• 1 x Extra D-pad Set (Interchangeable, often called "Saturn style" or different shape)
• 1 x Extra Stick Cap Kit (Different height options, exclusive to the Max model)
• 1 x Back Button Set (4 metal back buttons)
• 1 x Xbox-style Button Cap Kit (For ABXY layout swapping)
• 1 x Tension Adjustment Tool
• 1 x Charging Cable (USB-C)

The Jackbox Party Pack 11 Available on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch 🎉

The pack is back! The Jackbox Party Pack 11 transports your game night with 5 new mind-bending party games. Battle monsters with team-based trivia, sleuth through social clues, destroy wholesome jokes, create the kookiest of cookies, and noise-make your way through endless timelines of fun! The Jackbox Party Pack 11 will retail for $29.99.

The Jackbox Party Pack 11 catapults you and your crew into the best timeline of party game pandemonium. Whether you’re a trivia titan, a joke mastermind, or the resident undercover detective of your friend group, there’s something for everyone in this pack. No extra controllers needed - players simply join the game and play using phones, tablets or computers!

DuneCrawl: Your PC Becomes A Sand-Blasted Adventure Machine 🦀⚔️🏹 @AlientrapGames #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich steps into the scorching sands of DuneCrawl, a fast‑paced, retro‑styled action crawler set in a brutal desert world filled with hostile creatures, shifting dunes, and hidden secrets. This gameplay video dives into the opening moments, showcasing exploration, combat, and the game’s atmospheric pixel‑art aesthetic.

📈Ranking The 101 Most Important Soccer Games Episode 9: ISS PRO Evolution [PS1 - 1999] ⚽ #RetroGaming

Welcome to Episode 9 of Ranking The 101 Most Important Soccer Games!

Today Rich rewinds to the late‑90s golden age of football gaming and dive into ISS Pro Evolution, the landmark title that helped shape the future of virtual football.

Here's the rankings so far including today's episode:

	Title	System Played On	Year Of Release
1	ISS PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER	PS1	1999
2	LMA MANAGER	PS1	1999
3	ISS PRO 98	PS1	1998
4	FOOTBALL MANAGER 2	C64	1988
5	INTERNTAIONAL SOCCER	C64	1983
6	FOOTBALL MANAGER	C64	1982
7	FOOTBALL DIRECTOR	C64	1988
8	EMLYN HUGHES INTERNATIONAL SOCCER	C64	1988
9	ACTUA SOCCER 1995	PS1	1995
10

Flotsam v1.0 PC Gameplay – "Rich Builds His Own Floating Trash Town" 🛳️♻️ @_PajamaLlama #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich Dives into the full release of this unique floating city builder where survival meets sustainability. In this gameplay episode, we explore the latest features, build our trash-topia from the ocean up, and battle the tides to keep our drifters alive!

Schematic Void "The Puzzle Game That Melted My Brain!" 🧠 #IndieGame #GameDev

Step into the eerie, atmospheric world of Schematic Void, a minimalist puzzle game where logic, observation, and spatial awareness collide. This gameplay video showcases the opening section of the game, exploring its strange machinery, shifting pathways, and clever environmental puzzles.

Everdark: Undead Apocalypse PS5 Review 7/10 “Staked through the heart and you’re to blame. Darling, you gave me a fun time” 🪦⚰️🧛 @everdark_undead #IndieGame #GameDev

The story starts with a car crash, you are driving when you get lost, and then all of a sudden… you crash your car in the town of Everdark, which - gosh dang it - is overrun by vampires. 

You now need to get the hell out of there before one of the those long-toothed beings takes a bite and drinks away, deciding if your blood is more ‘full bodied with woody overtones and hints of crushed cigars, or more of a lighter bodied sip with floral notes and just a few touches of vanilla.

The story is a simple one, and is not to Everdark’s detriment at all, as all you need to know is - there are a lot of vampires and you need to kill them, then leg it. Simplicity is probably what I got most from playing Everdark, it knows what it wants and does it throughout all aspects, the visuals, gameplay, and story are all simple, they are focused on what they want to achieve with what I would say is quite a good success rate. 

Wreckreation XBox Series X Review 5.5/10 *Burned Out?* 🛻💥 @ArcadeDriving #IndieGame #GameDev

It’s hard to write this review as Wreckreation is clearly a labour of love from some core developers behind the much-loved Burnout franchise, and you can feel where the game could be at. 

Admittedly my personal preferences lay back when Burnout was a more linear experience – I was never taken with the open-world Burnout Paradise - but there are moments in Wreckreation in which great ideas and choices shine through, yet they always seem to either be shot down by heavier duty issues, or design choices that appear to be opposing forces during development.

SnakeByte Gamepad RGB S2 For Nintendo Switch 2 Unboxing 🎮 @snakebytegear

Rich unboxes the clear, sleek and vibrant SnakeByte Gamepad RGB S2 — designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2! In this video, we take a close look at the controller’s build quality, RGB lighting effects, ergonomic design, and compatibility with the latest Switch 2 titles. Whether you're into handheld gaming or docked sessions, this gamepad promises responsive controls and a premium feel.

🔗 https://snakebyte.com/products/gamepad-rgb-s2

Mafia: The Old Country Xbox Series X Review 6.5/10 *va bene, va bene* 🍋 @mafiagame

I missed the boat when the original Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven was fist released back in 2002, instead getting hips deep into the sequel released in 2010, of which I have incredibly fond memories of following the trials and tribulations of Vito and Joe as they make their way through the murky underworld of Empire Bay. 

The game had an incredible soundtrack, looked fantastic and had a plot that pulled me in. The sequel – Mafia III (developed by the current team, Hangar 13 – initially impressed with its technological advances, atmosphere and characters – and again, a blinding soundtrack – but for reasons I can’t recall, I sort of…fell off it somewhere along the way.

🦆 Escape From Duckov – PC Gameplay (No Commentary)💥 @GameDuckov #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich Ducks into a clean, uninterrupted gameplay run of Escape From Duckov, the chaotic, tongue‑in‑cheek Extraction Shooter where every corner hides danger, loot, and a few questionable ducks. This no‑commentary playthrough is perfect if you want to experience the game’s atmosphere, sound design, and tension without distractions.

Rich Gets His Hands On COOWPS P2 Split Protective Case With Built In Game Pack Storage 🎮@coowps #KickStarter

Rich has been lucky enough to get his hands on a new crowdfunding project from ANNAPRO: the COOWPS P2 Split Protective Case—a modular marvel designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2.

The case is being pitched as a 6-in-1 case featuring interchangeable grips, a multi-angle stand, and drop-tested durability.

It's got those ergonomic grips to help with fatigue-free gaming during extended play. It’s also fully compatible with docking stations and stands, making it a versatile companion for both home and travel setups.

It also comes with With Built In Game Pack Storage for up to 12 games.

🗣️🗣️By placing an order through this link, GF followers will receive an additional 5% discount!👇

https://coowps.com/discount/GamesFreezerUK?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fdockable-split-case-nintendo-switch-2

Inmost "Pixel Art Platformer" Nintendo Switch 2 Gameplay 🎮 @HLGteam @ChucklefishLTD #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich steps into the hauntingly beautiful world of INMOST on Nintendo Switch 2. This pixel art puzzle-platformer follows three interwoven stories—a knight, a child, and a wanderer—each navigating a crumbling, nightmarish landscape. Watch as we explore deadly traps, solve environmental puzzles, and uncover the secrets buried deep within this pixel art masterpiece.

🔗 https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-games/INMOST-1501103.html 🔹 Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 🔹 Genre: Puzzle Platformer / Adventure 🔹 Developer: Hidden Layer Games 🔹 Publisher: Chucklefish 🔹 Release: Enhanced for Switch 2

NUTMEG "A Retro Football Management Card Game" PC GAMEPLAY ⚽🃏🎴 @WeAreSecretMode #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich steps onto the retro pitch with NUTMEG – A Retro Football Management Card Game, where classic football nostalgia meets strategic card‑based gameplay.

In today’s video, I dive into the PC version of NUTMEG, build my squad from scratch, open packs, and take on the challenge of managing a team using nothing but tactics, timing, and a deck full of footballing personality. 

If you love old‑school football vibes, sticker‑album energy, and the thrill of crafting your perfect XI, this one’s for you. Expect squad‑building decisions, match‑day drama, and plenty of retro charm.

Pusoy Offline APK: Understanding Self-Contained Game Design 🎮 🃏🎴

Pusoy Offline APK and the Principles of Self-Contained Game Design

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Ongoing Relevance of Offline Games
   
   

2. Defining Pusoy Offline APK
   
   

3. What Self-Contained Game Design Means
   
   

4. Clear Mechanics and Structured Gameplay
   
   

5. Player Focus Without Online Distractions
   
   

6. Skill and Chance in Traditional Card Games
   
   

7. Minimalist Design in Mobile Gaming
   
   

8. Offline Games Versus Online Experiences
   
   

9. Conclusion: Lessons from Pusoy Offline

"Skeletons, Swords & Secrets!" The Secret Of Weepstone PC Gameplay 🩻 @Talesworth #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich steps into the The Secret Of Weepstone, a beautiful retro-inspired dungeon crawler where skeleton warriors guard ancient secrets. In this gameplay video, we explore eerie corridors, battle undead foes, and uncover the mystery behind the cursed ruins.

Do You Know Gaming? A Card Game Review - By Britt ⁉️🃏🎴 @lostincult #BoardGame #CardGame

A dungeon-crawling trivia card game where you & your friends must use video game knowledge to slay monsters & escape the dreaded trivia dungeon!

We at GF have been big fans of the folks at Lost In Cult for some time, as they’ve consistently shown how hips deep they are in the high quality releases that they’ve been part of  over the years since their inception in 2021, with a special shout out to Ryan Brown, who is an incredibly passionate individual that I’ve known since my ‘Kingdomofcarts’ days (may they rise again).

Speaking of Kingdomofcarts, we released a quiz book several years ago, as we love both trivia and gaming – natch – and aside from the pretty standard basic question/answer card games that are kicking around, there was very little out there that combined the mechanics of RPG gaming itself with trivia – and CAPCOM’s Quiz and Dragons is showing its age a tad (although oddly, the recently released Jackbox 11 contains a game titled ‘Legends of Trivia’ that does this, albeit using trivia genres outside of video gaming itself, yet it’s still awesome fun, and a clear highlight of that Jackbox pack) and so the chance to dive into a card game that does this very thing is saucy, trouser-removingly saucy.

GX Trust 872 Xyra TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review By Britt "Swap it like it's hot" ⌨️

Your Xyra, just the way you like it. With a hot-swappable TKL design, compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, easily swap out switches on the fly and find the ideal feel for your gaming setup

Creamy and Dreamy
Experience satisfying, creamy sounds with this gaming keyboard’s 5-pin LEOBOG Seiya linear switches. Tested for up to 60 million presses, it’s the perfect choice for gamers craving superb buttery precision.

Soak up the Sound
Specifically designed for a pleasurable gaming experience, this gasket-mounted mechanical gaming keyboard is all about dampened sound and soft-feel keystrokes – perfect for powerful (yet quiet!) gaming marathons.

Spice up your Style
Turn your desk into an RGB wonderland with the Xyra. With 12 Fn keys and full north-facing RGB, fully adjustable per-key with 16.8 million colour combinations, this is an RGB keyboard that truly matches your style.

Ready to Mod
Love to tweak your keyboard? Easily tailor your setup with this gaming keyboard’s included detachable coiled USB-A-C cable and handy 2-in-1 key & switch puller. Designed by gamers, for gamers!

Purchase Link

GXT 867 Acira 60% Mini Mechanical Gaming Keyboard ⌨️

A  60% size, wired, mechanical keyboard with RGB lighting, the Trust GXT 867 is perfect for creating extra desk room, or as a chunkier replacement for a laptop keyboard – all with included software to adjust the lighting and keys to your personal tastes.

Make every keypress count with the Acira. With mechanical Outemu linear switches tested up to 50 million key presses, this keyboard is ready to game as hard as you do.

From the Trust website:

Minimum size, maximum impact

• Ultra‑compact 60% layout for maximum mouse space and a cleaner desk.
• Outemu Red mechanical switches for fast, smooth, linear keypresses.
• Durable build tested for up to 50 million keystrokes.
• Full RGB backlighting with 16.8 million colours for custom visual flair.
• Dual‑function keys provide full‑size keyboard capability in a mini form factor.
• Customisation software included for lighting effects and key remapping.

Additional Features:

• Fn multifunction keys
• 1.8m detachable cable
• Anti‑slip, 2‑step height‑adjustable feet
• Designed for comfortable, personalised, and high‑performance gaming in a compact package.

Trust.com - GXT 867 Acira 60 Mini Gaming Keyboard

Transvaal’s Top 5 Games played in 2025 ✨ #GOTY

Usually, I look forward to making this list, it’s always good to look back and see which games left an impression on me, and this year Silent Hill got a mainline title, something I thought would never happen.

Metal Gear also got a remake of one of its most beloved entries, and a JRPG won game of the year - although it is technically an FRPG inspired by JRPG’s - so you think it would be a great year for me my love of horror, Metal Gear, and JRPG’s - as the kids say, “I’ve been eating good”,  but then it hit me I haven't played a single one of them.

Yeah, games I have been desperate to play in the run up to release, for some reason I just haven't gotten around to diving into. I instead thought back to the games I actually have played and reviewed… and it might be the worst year for me.

Usually, I am spoilt for choice but this year saw the release of my least favourite Puppet Combo game, I didn’t play a single Japanese role playing game, and of all the horror titles - only a few I found enjoyable, so yeah, not a stellar year but I realise it is largely my own fault to be fair.

Nonetheless, I will march on with the games I enjoyed most in 2025.

Blood: Refreshed Supply Xbox Series X Review 8/10 "Blood has been a constant in my life"🩸 @NightdiveStudio #GameDev #IndieGame

Blood has been a constant in my life, never far from my mind when favourite classic FPS titles crop up, and back in 2019 upon the release of Blood: Fresh Supply, a chunk of the team here at GF played through the game in local co-op format on hard mode in a single sesh for the glorious charity Special Effect, and what a bloody good day that was! I’m also personally a big supporter of games lost to the mists of time being released on modern consoles, so this is a great double-hander along with the recent Outlaws.

Once again telling the story of Caleb and his bullet-ridden path of revenge against his previous lord, Tchernobog and the cult of Cabal in his bid to rescue his former associates The Chosen, Blood begins with Caleb rising from the grave, pitchfork in hand to wreak havoc on his quest, which takes him through ghost towns, a circus, the arctic, hell itself, and even France (natch).

This new version features a wealth of updates, including:

• Source Code Rebuild: Built from the original code for greater accuracy and new possibilities.
• Visuals & Performance: 4K resolution, unlocked framerates (up to 120 FPS), remastered cutscenes, and optional weather effects.
• Gameplay Enhancements: Improved enemy behaviours, bug fixes, refined player movement, and support for CD/MIDI music.
• New Content: Includes Plasma Pak & Cryptic Passage add-ons, plus the Marrow episode at launch, with Death Wish planned for later.
• Multiplayer: Rewritten net code for up to 8 players, online/local co-op, and PvP modes.
• Modding & Controls: Extended mod support and fully customizable gamepad/keyboard controls.
• The Vault: A new area with cut content, concept art, unused sprites, and behind-the-scenes material

SUMMARY

The definitive way to enjoy Monolith Software’s classic, hopefully this will get a lot of folks into a game that I spent a lot of my teenage years enjoying.

I can’t imagine that Blood 2: The Chosen will get the same treatment and quite frankly, that’s absolutely fine, because it is – as the Aztecs used to say, “Not very good”.

8/10

🆒COOL🆒

(also available on PC, PS4/5, Xbox One, Switch – Switch 2 in 2026)

Developer / Publisher – Nightdive Studios